RAJBIRAJ, March 9: People from various walks of life in Madhes including political analysts have termed the agreement between the government and secessionist agitator CK Raut as a ‘surprising development’.

They said the agreement resulted from Raut’s compulsion to safe-land his movement as the Madhesi people would never support any move to divide the country. 

The agreement, according to them, became possible after ruling party leaders, primarily Prime Minister KP Oli, wanted to seize the moment and take the credit for bringing Raut into mainstream politics.

Analysts say Raut, who has been agitating for the last six years for Madhes as a separate state, found himself in a fix in recent days as his influence was gradually waning. 

First, he was losing his influence in the southern plains as compared to other regional parties. Secondly, he was frustrated by frequent police arrests and obstructions to his campaign. 

“This agreement resulted from Dr Raut’s compulsion,” said Hem Kumar Mishra, who keeps close tabs on Madhes affairs, adding, “The Madhesi community never supported the issue of secession and no individual or organization can exist in politics if the people don’t support their agenda.”

Citing the emergence of numerous underground armed outfits during the Madhes movement that were rejected by the people, Mishra said Raut was under pressure after gradually losing popular support. “They reject the agenda raised by armed groups instead of participating in protests organised by political parties in the cause of federalism and identity,” said Mishra. 

Many people in Madhes were surprised when CK Raut started a peaceful campaign for a separate state after quitting a lucrative job in the United States of America. 

Raut was released from police custody a day before he renounced his secessionist movement. Some people in Madhes say Raut lost hope after the government continued to detain him for months. 

“Recent developments show that Raut became a political victim of the government,” said political analyst Khusilal Mandal, indicating the government may have used its power to co-opt him into peaceful politics after reading his minds while under custody. 

Raut, according to Mandal, was taken to the prime minister’s office a day before he was released from custody. After his meeting with the prime minister the Supreme Court ordered his release from custody. Raut on Friday announced his disengagement from secession, saying “An offspring of the Buddha can’t be involved in violence.”

 
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